Packaging machine and method

A packaging machine for sequentially making packages from bags comprising:

• a) a bag feed assembly delineating a load station, the assembly including structure to deliver bags sequentially and one at a time to the station;
• b) a bag opening assembly including a spaced pair of expansible horns for insertion into a bag and spreading a preopened top portion of one bag in a stretched and substantially fully opened, generally circular condition for loading while at the load station;
• c) bag gripping and transport means for:
• i) stretching the top of a loaded bag until the face and the back of the bag are substantially juxtaposed while perimetrally constraining the bag to maintain a generally polygonal cross sectional shape;
• ii) transporting such loaded bag from the load station to a closure station;
• and,
• iii) supporting the bag as it is transported;
• and d) multiple sided compressor means for compressing the contents and concurrently expelling air from a loaded bag.

A packaging machine for sequentially making packages from bags comprising:

• a) a bag feed assembly delineating a load station, the assembly including structure to deliver bags sequentially and one at a time to the station;
• b) a bag opening mechanism for causing a bag positioned in the load station to be in an opened condition;
• c) a bag loading mechanism for charging predetermined quantities of materials to be packed into bags positioned in the load station sequentially and one at a time;
• d) a bag sensor for sensing the presence of a bag in the load station;
• e) a loading mechanism disabling means operatively connected to the sensor and responsive to signals from the sensor and operatively connected to the loading mechanism to disable the charging of a predetermined quantity of material unless a bag is positioned in the load station and to enable such charging if a bag is so positioned;
• and,
• f) multiple sided compressor means for concurrently compressing the contents and expelling air from a loaded bag.